almostfree

I was wondering, what quilting "gadgets" would be worthwhile to put on my Christmas list? I was looking at the F&P quarter square triangle pattern/ template (or something like that), and wondered if it was worth having. I have 2 cutting boards, a rotary cutter and cutting rulers, but not much else. What do you more experienced quilters have that you just can't live without?

erstan947

The oversize pressing board is nice to have. Organized storage containers. I have limited my gadgets. There are some many available that have limited uses. Let us know what you put on our list.:)

cjomomma

I bought the triangle templet but never use it. I bought it so I could make hst's but I learned an easier way to make them. But I may wind up needing it someday.

cjomomma

An assortment of different size square templets to me is a must have.

Deedles

Good scissors are a must! I love Ginghers, 8in dressmakers for regular sewing, 7" bent, 5" craft, 4" embroidery..both straight and curved blades with large finger holes.

I love the Purple Thang! That little plastic thingy is handy.

An Awl is priceless for guiding fabric and helping thick seams through the needle, as well as removing threads.

Just a few I can't live/sew without.

trif

I do alot of paper piecing, so for me, a much used gadget is my Olga swivel cutting board. Not a huge one, I think it's 17", fits perfect next to my machine, and of course the add 1/4" ruler.

plainpat

A basic how to book...a seam ripper, a cone thread holder,cone thread,walking foot,ruler holder (try a dish drainer)a good light...gift card for Joanns :-)all I can think of right now.

raptureready

A gift certificate to a quilting retreat or quilt store are always good then you can get things as you need them. I LOVE my swivel cutting mat.

but there are cheaper alternatives than what a lot of the quilting stores offer:

Cone thread can be used but just setting the cone in back of your machine and putting the thread around the thread spindle on top of your machine. Don't wrap it around just take it from the back to the front and then to the left to finish threading.

Cutting blades can be purchased from Harbor Freight 2 for $1.99 or if your local store is out like ours, the carpet cutter can be bought for $3.99 and has three blades with it.

Grippers can be purchased in the bathroom section of most hardware/home remodeling stores for less than $5.

I use an old metal record holder (popular in the 60s) called a record worm to hold my big rulers, a small letter holder (a metal spiral with small legs) to hold the small rulers. Picked them both up for 50 cents each at a garage sale.

An oversized pressing board can be made from plywood, cotton batting and a covering made from a used sheet, extra fabric, plain canvas, etc.

I love my Ginghers but until I could afford them Fiskars worked just fine. I prefer the kind with the gray and black handles. I also love my Fiskars scissor sharpener---just don't ever use it on Ginghers, it will ruin them.

Fabric---lots of fabric is something that I'm not sure I could live without. Even the thought of trying is scary.

Also, I have to have a backup machine or two. They can be inexpensive ones as long as they'll sew a straight stitch I can manage.

pllboyer

My most favorite gadget is a men's moustache trimmer - use it to unsew. It oly cuts the threads and makes ripping almost fun!!!!! Availa

pllboyer

Oops - somehow got sent before I finished. Moustach timmers (battery operated) available at Wally World and other stores like Shopko, Kmart for about $12. Quilt on!